Developers have been given the go-ahead to demolish an old Nuneaton pub and build a three-storey block of flats on the site.

The bulldozers are now set to move in at the former Bridgies pub which has been empty and boarded-up in Meadow Street for three years.

Neighbours and members of a nearby social club had opposed the homes development project, fearing it would lead to traffic problems.

People living in Abbey Street joined members of the Abbey Sports & Leisure Club in Meadow Street to sign a 143-name petition objecting to the plans.

They were given the chance to voice their objections at a meeting of the borough council?s planning applications committee, but noone took the opportunity to have their say.

Borough councillors voted in favour of the scheme after being told by planning officers that the alternative was that the building could be reopened as a pub, causing equal traffic problems.

Councillor Annette McMaster (Lab, Abbey) said: ?My view is that if a pub or club reopens on the site, it would create a real traffic problem. The flats will include their own car park and I can?t see any objection.?